Huckleberry Finn as an African American Figure in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Shrestha, Prithvi (2001). Huckleberry Finn as an African American Figure in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Tribuvan University, Kathmandu Nepal, MA thesis. (Unpublished)

Abstract

This thesis, following a textual analysis, examines the chief protagonist, Huckleberry Finn, in Mark Twain’s novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from African-American multiculturism perspectives. Although the novel is mostly about a white male figure’s childhood adventures, the thesis argues that his character is moulded by African-American cultural traditions and underneath the character there is an Afro-American who risks his own life to rescue a black slave (Jim), has many struggles and plays tricks on white people for survival. One important aspect the thesis reveals is Huck Finn’s mother and her identity as a black slave which has not been researched. It also reveals through the textual analysis that Huck Finn is a Mulatto born of an illegitimate relationship between Pap Finn (Huck’s father) and a slave woman. Finally, the thesis shows that Huck Finn as an African America trickster figure and Signifying Monkey uses silence to subvert the racially divided world in the novel and he is a ‘white’ African American.

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